The magazine partners again with UNC-TV for the popular juried contest, along with the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation, which manages the state’s photogenic state parks, and co-sponsor, Great Outdoor Provision Co.

All winners will be published in the January/February 2012 issue of Wildlife in North Carolina, with the grand prize image appearing on the cover. Thanks to exhibition sponsor, JW Photo Labs of Raleigh, the winners will also be exhibited at the Museum of Natural Sciences and at other science museums and wildlife education centers across the state.

Photos will be judged in 8 categories, with youth divisions for 12 and younger, and 13 to 17 year olds:

Birds

Mammals

Reptiles and Amphibians

Invertebrates

Wild Landscapes

Youth Photographer, 13-17

Wild Plants (including mushrooms and other fungi)

Outdoor Recreation (such as hunting, fishing and hiking)

Animal Behavior

Youth Photographer, 12 and under

Participants in the 2010 competition included 1,270 photographers and 5,511 entries.

Winners will be selected by a panel composed of staff from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences and N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

For competition rules, information and how to enter photos, go to http://www.ncwildlife.org/contest. All photos must be entered electronically, no slides, negatives or prints will be accepted by mail.

The award-winning Wildlife in North Carolina magazine is published bimonthly by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Subscription information can be found on the Commission’s website at http://www.ncwildstore.com/magazine.html.